Graphical Abstract:

Abstract:

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the Clinical Topics Tool Book on students’ academic
and clinical performance during Ob/Gyn clerkship.

Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Clinical Topics Tool Book
(CTTB) on students’ academic and clinical performance during Ob/Gyn clerkship. In academic year
2006-07, a new teaching tool called the CTTB was implemented in the Obstetrics and Gynecology
clerkship at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS). A primary literature review and
retrospective analysis were conducted on the National Board of Medical Examiners subject exam
scores, clinical grades, and core competency evaluations of 634 third year medical students at
RWJMS, between July 2004 and June 2011.

Results: Students who used the clinical topics tool book earned overall higher scores on their national
percentile NBME subject examination, clinical grade, overall grade, and in their core competencies:
interpersonal skills and medical knowledge. There was a marked difference in NBME Percentile
Rank between students who did not use the tool book and students who did, 57.8% (0 topics) 67.8 %
(10-17 topics). The number of topics completed were directly correlated to higher clerkship performance.

Conclusions: The Clinical Topics Tool Book is an effective and valuable educational method for
third year medical students in the Ob/Gyn clerkship. Future students will be encouraged to utilize this
learning opportunity to enhance their OB/GYN clinical and academic performance.

Abstract:Objective: To evaluate the impact of the Clinical Topics Tool Book on students’ academic
and clinical performance during Ob/Gyn clerkship.

Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Clinical Topics Tool Book
(CTTB) on students’ academic and clinical performance during Ob/Gyn clerkship. In academic year
2006-07, a new teaching tool called the CTTB was implemented in the Obstetrics and Gynecology
clerkship at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS). A primary literature review and
retrospective analysis were conducted on the National Board of Medical Examiners subject exam
scores, clinical grades, and core competency evaluations of 634 third year medical students at
RWJMS, between July 2004 and June 2011.

Results: Students who used the clinical topics tool book earned overall higher scores on their national
percentile NBME subject examination, clinical grade, overall grade, and in their core competencies:
interpersonal skills and medical knowledge. There was a marked difference in NBME Percentile
Rank between students who did not use the tool book and students who did, 57.8% (0 topics) 67.8 %
(10-17 topics). The number of topics completed were directly correlated to higher clerkship performance.

Conclusions: The Clinical Topics Tool Book is an effective and valuable educational method for
third year medical students in the Ob/Gyn clerkship. Future students will be encouraged to utilize this
learning opportunity to enhance their OB/GYN clinical and academic performance.